The Penguins started out the franchise’s annual prospect development camp by splitting up the Ruck twins.
First-round pick Liam Ruck and second-round pick Markus Ruck were separated onto different squads when the three-team camp kicked off Monday in Cranberry.
Penguins director of player development Tom Kostopoulos said Monday that was a deliberate decision to give the WHL linemates a chance to skate with new teammates.
“It’s very important for us to play apart. I think it’s good for us,” Markus Ruck
said Monday. “I think we play better together, when we’re working off one another, but it’s for sure important to play off one another, too.”
The twins come to the Penguins after ranking first and second in WHL scoring last season, during which Markus (21 goals, 87 assists) and Liam (45 goals, 59 assists) both played for Medicine Hat.
As Liam summed up the difference between the two players when speaking to reporters Monday: “He’s a bit more of a passer, I’m a bit more of a shooter.”
About what the Penguins want to see from the twins in their next WHL campaign, Kostopoulos said he is seeking more strength from Liam and more speed from Markus.
“I think Liam can get up and down the ice a little bit quicker. He’s got some speed. He’s got some separation speed,” Kostopoulos said Monday. “Just building the strength— I think he’s got a tremendous shot, and he’s able to find space in the o-zone, and finish plays, and score goals. So building the strength, I think, as the strength and power come, his skating will get even better.
“Markus, on the other hand, from what I’ve seen, is an incredible playmaker, really intelligent out there. He probably needs a little more work in the skating department, and as he builds the strength, and works on the technique of the skating, I think he’s going to really come along. Just to add that separation speed, and be able to get to areas and win a few more races.”
Liam, who is listed at 6-foot-0 and 177 pounds, said Monday the Penguins had been talking with him about a food plan even before the draft in an effort to help him add weight while navigating another 68-game WHL season.
“I want to play a lot. I don’t want to rush it into college and play a lesser role or anything like that,” Liam said about returning to the WHL. “So, go back and play a big role, and I think I can put weight on with working with the nutritionists from Pittsburgh and people that can help me out. I think it won’t be easy, with a 70-game schedule, but I’ll find a way to do it.”
The Penguins also got looks at other new draft prospects including second-rounder Tomas Galvas and third-rounder Pierce Mbuyi.
Mbuyi, a 2027-28 Penn State commit, is set to return to the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack next season, while Galvas is expected to play another season in Czechia.
“I’m looking to even out my game a lot more… I think another year in the O will help me develop my game and get me ready for Penn State,” Mbuyi told reporters.
A few notable prospects are missing from camp this week, including recent fifth-round pick goaltender Matvei Nikonovich and defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke.
Brunicke’s ability to step up onto the Penguins’ blue line in the near future could be even more crucial now that the team has traded Jack St. Ivany to the Winnipeg Jets.
Kostopoulos said Monday the Penguins are “very happy” with Brunicke’s development last season, during which he spent time in the WHL and AHL in addition to making his NHL debut.
“He took everything that was told to him, and really took it to heart, and worked on it,” Kostopoulos said about Brunicke. “He’s defending better. I think, if you guys walked the playoffs in Wilkes-Barre, his competitiveness was right up there with some of the veteran players in the playoffs. He was a go-to guy for the team there at a really young age.
“There are still things he can work on, but I think his willingness, competitiveness, engagement level were great.”
Development camp will continue Tuesday, starting with a 9 a.m. goaltending session. The camp wraps up Friday when a tournament between the three prospect teams kicks off at noon in Cranberry.
